The Odyssey (1997) Film Review: A Heroic Journey Worth Revisiting
Table of Contents
Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky
Starring Armand Assante, Greta Scacchi, Isabella Rossellini, Vanessa Williams
Runtime: 176 minutes (miniseries)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Epic
Rating: 7.5/10
Andrei Konchalovsky’s 1997 TV miniseries adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey remains one of the most faithful and engaging screen versions of the ancient Greek epic. Airing on NBC as a two-part event, this production transforms Odysseus’s 10-year voyage home from Troy into a visually stunning, emotionally resonant adventure. While not without dated effects, its strengths in storytelling, performances, and thematic depth make it a standout for mythology fans and casual viewers alike.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Light)
The film “The Odyssey” (1997) Film Review: A Heroic Journey Worth Revisiting chronicles Odysseus (Armand Assante), king of Ithaca, as he navigates mythical perils after the Trojan War. Cursed by Poseidon for blinding his son Polyphemus the Cyclops, Odysseus endures shipwrecks, seductive sirens, the monstrous Scylla and Charybdis, and the enchantress Circe (Vanessa Williams). Meanwhile, back home, his loyal wife Penelope (Greta Scacchi) fends off ruthless suitors, while son Telemachus (Alan Stenson) searches for his father. Parallel narratives build tension, culminating in Odysseus’s triumphant, bloody return.
Konchalovsky streamlines Homer’s sprawling poem into a linear tale (with flashbacks), emphasizing Odysseus’s cunning, perseverance, and humanity over godly interventions. At 176 minutes, it captures the epic’s scope without feeling bloated.
Strengths: What Makes It Epic
Stellar Casting and Performances
Armand Assante delivers a career-best as Odysseus—charismatic, weary, and fiercely intelligent. His gravelly voice and expressive eyes convey the hero’s inner turmoil, making him relatable amid monsters. Greta Scacchi shines as Penelope, her quiet strength anchoring the domestic drama. Standouts include Isabella Rossellini as the ethereal Athena, Eric Roberts as the sly Eurymachus, and a scene-stealing Bernie Casey as Polyphemus. Even supporting roles, like Christopher Lee as Tiresias, add gravitas.
Visual Spectacle and Practical Effects
Shot in Malta and Turkey, the film’s locations evoke ancient authenticity—rugged seas, sun-baked islands, torchlit halls. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop puppets bring myths to life: the grotesque Cyclops, multi-headed Scylla (a thrilling set piece), and Circe’s beasts feel tangible, predating CGI overload. While some effects (whirlpools, transformations) show 1990s age, they enhance wonder rather than distract.
Thematic Depth
Beyond adventure, the film “The Odyssey” (1997) Film Review: A Heroic Journey Worth Revisiting explores homecoming’s pain—Odysseus’s PTSD-like longing, Penelope’s isolation, Telemachus’s identity crisis. Voiceover narration delves into Odysseus’s psyche, adding emotional layers Homer implies. It honors the poem’s wisdom: hubris vs. fate, loyalty’s cost, cunning over brute force.
Weaknesses: Dated Elements Hold It Back
Special effects occasionally falter—Circe’s pig transformations look cartoonish, and green-screen composites jar. Pacing drags in Calypso’s island (Bernadette Peters is underused). Some dialogue feels TV-stiff, and female characters occasionally veer into damsel territory, though Circe and Athena subvert this.
Runtime suits miniseries format but demands commitment; a theatrical cut (91 minutes) exists but sacrifices nuance.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Premiering to 38 million viewers, The Odyssey won two Emmys (Cinematography, Visual Effects) and introduced Homer to millennials. It influenced Troy (2004) and Clash of the Titans remakes, proving TV could handle epics pre-streaming. Streaming on platforms like Pluto TV, it endures for family viewing or myth classes.
Final Verdict
Konchalovsky’s The Odyssey is the definitive screen adaptation—loyal to source, actor-driven, and thrilling. Assante’s Odysseus humanizes legend, while practical effects deliver spectacle. Flaws reflect era, but heart endures. Perfect for mythology buffs or rainy nights. Recommended.
